Trojans Seek Follow-Up Like in 1992

If USC fans are looking for an encouraging omen before Wednesday’s game at UCLA, they can look back to 1992. That was the last time the Trojans beat Stanford at Maples Pavilion and they followed up with a victory over the Bruins the next week. Of course, USC defeated a lot of opponents that season as All-American guard Harold Miner led the team to a 24-6 record and into the second round of the NCAA tournament.

The current players have a short memory, preferring to concentrate on the confidence they gained by winning at No. 6 Stanford on Saturday.

“Finally we beat someone who’s up in the rankings,” senior guard Elias Ayuso said. “It shows how good we are.”

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The victory at Stanford was notable for all its offensive highlights: Brian Scalabrine’s three-point basket in overtime, Sam Clancy’s fourth double-double of the season, and Brandon Granville’s five three-pointers.

But at the other end of the court, USC held the Cardinal to 38.5% shooting. The Trojans have improved on defense the last two weeks, having won two of four games by holding opponents to an average of 65 points.

“We were more aggressive than Stanford, beating them to the spot,” Ayuso said. “I think that rattled them.”

Coming up: Wednesday at UCLA, Feb. 25 versus Washington.